If you are planning any kind of construction, renovation, addition, deck, fence, roof replacement, pool, solar installation, or other building work in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, you will need a building permit from the Bloomfield Township Building Department.
Many homeowners and contractors search for clear answers about how to apply for a building permit in Bloomfield Township, what the fees are in 2026, and how to check the status of their application quickly using the BS&A Online portal.
This guide explains the entire process in simple language so you can understand what to do, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems that slow things down.
Whether you are a homeowner doing your own work or a contractor handling a larger job, the steps are the same and the goal is to get your permit approved smoothly and on time.
Bloomfield Township Building Department Contact Information 2026
- Address: 4200 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
- Phone: (248) 433-7700
- Email: building@bloomfieldtwp.org
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Official Page: Bloomfield Township Building Department
Bloomfield Township Building Permit Search 2026
Official Portal: Bloomfield Township BS&A Online Portal
- Go to the BS&A Online portal (public search available).
- Search by property address or permit number.
- View the current status, approved plans, fees paid, and inspection history.
How to Apply for Bloomfield Township Building Permits 2026
Here is the clear step-by-step process that most people follow to get their permit approved as smoothly as possible.
- Go to the Bloomfield Township BS&A Online portal and create or log into your account.
- Start a new application and choose the right permit type for your project.
- Enter the full project address and your best estimate of the total construction valuation.
- Upload all required drawings, site plans, specifications, and supporting documents.
- Pay the required fees online and submit the complete application.
- Check your account regularly and reply quickly if the department asks for more information or corrections.
- Once approved, display the permit card at the job site before any work begins.
- Schedule your inspections through the BS&A portal.
Bloomfield Township Building Permit Fees 2026
- Official Fee Schedule: Download the latest Building Department Fee Schedule from the township website (updated annually).
- Fees are based on the type and value of the project, including square footage for new construction, additions, and alterations.
- Plan review fees are charged separately in most cases.
- Separate permits and fees apply for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other trade work.
- Additional charges include technology fees and re-inspection fees.
- Work started without a permit can result in double fees plus possible fines or a Stop Work Order.
Required Documents Checklist
- Completed online permit application via BS&A
- Detailed construction drawings and specifications
- Site plan showing existing structures and proposed work
- Proof of contractor license and insurance
- Owner-Builder Affidavit if you are doing the work yourself
- Any required trade permit applications
How to Schedule Inspections in Bloomfield Township
Schedule inspections through the BS&A Online portal. Have your approved plans and the permit card ready when the inspector arrives. Re-inspection fees may apply for failed or missed inspections.
Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder
Contractors must hold valid Michigan licenses and register in the BS&A system. Homeowners can apply as owner-builders but must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety.
Local Insider Tips That Really Help
- Use the BS&A Online portal for faster submission, payment, and real-time tracking of your permit and inspections.
- Submit complete and clearly labeled drawings the first time to avoid delays in plan review.
- Call (248) 433-7700 or the Building Department direct line during business hours for status checks when lines are less busy.
- Check for any existing violations or open permits on the property before starting a new application.
- Review the latest fee schedule before submitting to avoid unexpected costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for existing building permits in Bloomfield Township?
Use the BS&A Online portal by property address or permit number.
How to apply for a Bloomfield Township building permit?
Create an account on the BS&A Online portal, select the right permit type, upload your drawings and documents, pay the fees online, and submit everything electronically.
What are the Bloomfield Township building permit fees in 2026?
Fees are based on the type and value of the project. Download the latest Building Department Fee Schedule from the township website for exact rates.
Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder in Bloomfield Township?
Yes. You can apply as an owner-builder, but you must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Bloomfield Township?
Simple projects can be approved relatively quickly. More complicated jobs usually take between one and three weeks depending on how complete your submission is.
Official Resources
- Bloomfield Township BS&A Online Portal
- Building Department Homepage
- Building Permit Fee Schedule
- Permit Applications & Forms
Updated April 2026 using only official Bloomfield Township sources. Use the BS&A Online portal for faster submission and real-time tracking.
Plan, Apply, Inspect and Close a Bloomfield Township Permit Without Missing HOA or Zoning Steps
A complete application in Bloomfield Township often starts before the permit form. Subdivision comments, zoning setbacks, ZBA approval, tree requirements, soil-erosion controls, grading, water or septic approvals can all affect issuance.
This local guide shows you which packet to use, how to access BS&A, what plans to prepare, how inspections are scheduled, what current Township-linked fees say and how to keep a permit from closing after 180 days without activity.
Choose the Exact Task You Need
Bloomfield Township Next-Step Finder
Select your project to see the local approval that commonly comes before or alongside the building permit.
Bloomfield Township Building Division Contact Information
Which Permit or Review Fits the Project?
Project |
Start with |
Bloomfield-specific check |
|---|---|---|
New home or commercial building |
Building packet + plan review |
Grading, subdivision comments, water/sewer, soil erosion, tree preservation and trade permits |
Addition, structural remodel or wall changes |
Addition / alteration packet |
Scaled plans, site plan, grades, setbacks and possible ZBA relief |
Kitchen remodel or drywall/wall work |
Building permit |
Electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits may be separate |
Deck, pool or fence |
Accessory project packet |
Subdivision comments, plot-plan sets, plans/elevations and possible ZBA approval |
Shed |
ZBA approval first |
Township guidance says sheds require ZBA approval regardless of size or location, followed by the required permit |
Generator or ground-mounted A/C |
Ordinance + trade permits |
Detailed site plan, setbacks, subdivision comments and screening from view |
Driveway, soil fill or grading |
Building / engineering packet |
Oakland County soil-erosion approval and construction-access requirements may apply |
Electrical, mechanical or plumbing work |
Trade permit |
These applications are expressly available online through BS&A |
Commercial exterior sign |
Design Review Board + sign permit |
Design/site/sign review and Ordinance fees may apply before permit issuance |
Change of occupancy or tenant use |
Building, Planning and Fire review |
Do not occupy until required permits, finals and certificate approvals are complete |
Apply Without Creating Avoidable Plan-Review Comments
Confirm the property is in Bloomfield Township
Use the BS&A parcel information or Township records to confirm the municipality, address and parcel number.
Check subdivision or HOA requirements
Many Township project packets request subdivision association comments. Private deed restrictions can be more restrictive than Township zoning.
Choose the exact Township project packet
Use the official Building Division forms page for new homes, additions, decks, pools, generators, driveways, demolition, commercial work and trade permits.
Identify approvals that come before issuance
Check zoning setbacks, ZBA relief, Planning, Ordinance, Fire, tree, grading, well, septic, water/sewer and Oakland County soil-erosion requirements.
Prepare coordinated site and construction plans
Show lot lines, setbacks, structures, grading, project dimensions, elevations, sections and construction details required by the packet.
Apply through BS&A or submit the packet
Use BS&A when the permit category is available online. Township instructions also allow complete applications to be submitted in person or mailed.
Pay the application fee at submission
The Township’s permit instructions say the application fee is due when the application is submitted. An application without the required fee is incomplete.
Monitor plan review and answer every correction
The current permit page estimates approximately 10 business days for plan review. Missing documents or outside approvals can extend the process.
Wait for formal permit issuance
Application submission, payment or plan approval alone does not authorize construction. Confirm the permit is issued before work begins.
Application Readiness Checklist
Property and owner
- Correct Township jurisdiction
- Property address
- Parcel number
- Owner name and phone
- Subdivision or HOA name
- Owner authorization if needed
Project and contractors
- Clear project description
- Estimated project value
- Builder or contractor details
- Michigan license information
- Trade contractor details
- Architect or engineer if required
Plans and approvals
- Dimensioned site or plot plan
- Floor plans and elevations
- Construction sections
- Subdivision comments
- ZBA or Planning approval
- County or utility approvals
Local Requirements That Commonly Delay Small Projects
Project |
Prepare |
Local issue to solve first |
|---|---|---|
Deck |
Subdivision comments, three plot-plan sets, plans, elevations and cross sections |
Setbacks, structure location, grade and possible ZBA approval |
Pool |
Plot plans, pool plans, barrier information and electrical details |
Setbacks, fences, equipment location, drainage and subdivision rules |
Fence |
Property lines, fence location, height, material and HOA comments |
Corner visibility, easements, road frontage and private restrictions |
Shed |
Site plan, dimensions, construction information and subdivision comments |
Township guidance says obtain ZBA approval before installation regardless of size or location |
Generator |
Detailed site plan, manufacturer information, electrical and mechanical scope |
Setbacks, subdivision comments and screening installed before final approval |
Driveway |
Driveway plan, width, location, grades, drainage and construction-access details |
Soil-erosion approval, road authority, grading and Township engineering review |
Complete HOA, Zoning and Outside Reviews in the Right Sequence
Subdivision comments
Several project packets request subdivision association comments. Obtain them early, even when the association does not formally approve construction.
Township zoning
Township zoning controls uses, setbacks, lot coverage, accessory structures, screening and other public requirements.
Private deed restrictions
Private restrictions are not replaced by a Township permit. They may be enforced by an association or property owner, not the Building Division.
Common R-1, R-2 and R-3 Setbacks
Front yard
40 feet
Corner properties have two front yards.
Side yard
16 feet
Confirm whether other standards apply to the specific lot.
Rear yard
35 feet
Lakefront, PUD and multifamily properties may use different rules.
Current Planning Fees to Budget Before Filing
Application |
Current published fee |
Important note |
|---|---|---|
Residential ZBA variance |
$325 |
After-the-fact residential variance: $650 |
Residential ZBA permission |
$225 |
After-the-fact residential permission: $450 |
Commercial variance or permission |
$500 |
After-the-fact commercial filing: $1,000 |
Non-residential site plan |
$1,860 + $10 per 1,000 gross building sq. ft. |
Consultant and other review costs may be separate |
Residential site plan |
$2,050 + $25 per unit |
Confirm the project category with Planning |
Design, site or sign review |
$250 + $50 Ordinance fee |
Used for applicable Design Review Board matters |
Zoning compliance letter |
$75 |
Use the current Planning Division request form |
These figures come from the Township’s current Planning Division forms page. Confirm the final fee and escrow requirement before filing.
Check Oakland County Requirements Before Moving Earth
When county review may apply
Bloomfield Township directs applicants to the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner for soil erosion and sedimentation control involving construction and earth disturbance.
- New homes and additions
- Driveways and major grading
- Large excavation or fill
- Projects near water or drainage features
Before permit issuance
Township guidance says required erosion controls and the construction-access drive must be installed and inspected before permit issuance when SESC applies.
Estimate Township-Linked Building Charges
This tool uses the Building Division schedules currently linked by the Township, effective July 1, 2021. Confirm the live invoice because fees may be revised.
Published Building Division Charges
Charge |
Township-linked amount |
Use |
|---|---|---|
Residential new, addition or alteration |
$0.90 per sq. ft. |
Minimum permit fee is $120 |
Commercial new, addition or alteration |
$0.75 per sq. ft. |
Minimum permit fee is $120 |
Commercial shell |
$0.45 per sq. ft. |
Plan review and application fee are separate |
Commercial interior build-out |
$0.30 per sq. ft. |
Confirm occupancy and Fire review |
Accessory structures, pools and decks |
$0.40 per sq. ft. |
Minimum permit fee may apply |
Residential application fee |
$250 |
Due at application submission |
Commercial application fee |
$500 |
Due at application submission |
Plan review |
$0.15 per sq. ft. |
Added to applicable project fees |
Reinspection |
$75 |
Avoid by completing every correction before rescheduling |
Minor projects |
$30 |
Confirm which project categories qualify |
Site / certificate grade review |
$200 |
May apply to grading and closeout |
Approved plan revision |
$75 |
Third review is listed at $100 |
Online processing fee |
$2 |
Shown in the Township-linked schedule |
Schedule, Prepare for and Complete Inspections
Create and link the BS&A account
Register or sign in through the Bloomfield Township BS&A municipality page.
Open Schedule an Inspection
Select the active permit, then choose the correct inspection stage and available date.
Cancel before the deadline
Use View My Building Department Activity and cancel or reschedule through BS&A before 5:00 PM on the day before the inspection.
Get the approximate time window
Call 248-433-7715 between 7:00 and 8:00 AM on the morning of the scheduled inspection.
Keep approved work visible
Have the permit and approved plans on site. Do not cover framing, wiring, plumbing, mechanical work, insulation or another item that must be inspected.
Resolve the complete inspection result
Correct every listed item before requesting reinspection. Ask whether a plan revision or additional permit is required.
Common building stages
- Foundation or footing
- Rough framing
- Rough trade inspections
- Insulation
- Final building
- Certificate or occupancy closeout
Before the inspector arrives
- Permit is issued and active
- Correct stage is complete
- Work remains visible
- Approved plans are available
- Site is safe and accessible
- Required screening is installed
What Common BS&A Statuses Mean
Find an Existing Permit or Older House Plans
Search BS&A first
Open Building Department Record Search and try the property address, parcel number or permit number.
Open the full permit record
Check application status, inspections, fees and related permits. A permit number alone does not prove final approval.
Request missing blueprints or files
The Township says it may have residential new-construction or alteration blueprints for work permitted after 1988.
Submit a detailed FOIA request
Provide the exact address, parcel number, approximate permit year, prior owner and document type.
Avoid the 180-Day Inactivity Problem
What the Township form says
The residential permit application states that a permit may become invalid or be closed when work or required inspection activity stops for 180 days.
Do not restart an old project before asking the Building Division whether renewal, reactivation, a new permit or updated plans are required.
Finals commonly forgotten
- Final building inspection
- Final electrical inspection
- Final mechanical inspection
- Final plumbing inspection
- Grade or site approval
- Certificate or occupancy approval
Verify the Michigan Contractor License
Check the license online
Use Michigan’s official LARA license lookup to verify the contractor, residential builder or maintenance-and-alteration contractor.
Match all project records
- Legal business name
- License number
- Contractor on permit
- Contractor on contract
- Trade contractor identities
- Inspection responsibility
Trade Codes Listed by the Township
Mechanical
The forms page states that the 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code became effective July 1, 2024.
Plumbing
The forms page states that the 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code became effective July 1, 2024.
Electrical
The forms page lists the 2023 National Electrical Code with Michigan Part 8 amendments effective July 1, 2024.
Fix Common Bloomfield Township Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
BS&A account cannot access the permit |
New account is not linked |
Call 248-433-7715 and ask the Building Division to link the account. |
Application is incomplete |
Fee, plan, subdivision comment or outside approval is missing |
Use the project packet as a line-by-line completeness checklist. |
Plan review exceeds 10 business days |
Corrections, outside reviews or complex plans remain open |
Ask which specific reviewer or document is preventing the next action. |
Shed cannot be approved |
Required ZBA approval was not obtained first |
Contact Planning at 248-433-7795 before installation. |
Generator final fails |
Required visual screening is incomplete |
Install the approved screening and request the correct final inspection. |
Inspection option does not appear |
Permit not issued, wrong account or wrong inspection sequence |
Check BS&A status and call the Building Division before creating a duplicate permit. |
Inspection must be canceled |
Work or site access will not be ready |
Cancel through BS&A before 5:00 PM on the day before the inspection. |
Old permit was closed after inactivity |
No work or inspection activity for 180 days |
Ask whether reactivation, renewal, updated plans or a new permit is required. |
Old house plans not visible online |
Plans are not digitized or are held in a separate file |
Submit a detailed FOIA request, especially for post-1988 new or alteration permits. |
Township permit conflicts with HOA rule |
Private restrictions differ from zoning |
Resolve the private restriction separately; a Township permit does not override it. |
What to Say When You Call
“I am planning to [describe exact work] at [full Bloomfield Township address]. Which project packet, subdivision comments, site plans, trade permits, zoning approvals and outside-agency approvals are required before submission?”
“I am calling about application [number] at [address]. BS&A shows [status]. Which reviewer, correction, fee or outside approval is preventing permit issuance?”
“I have inspection [type] scheduled today for permit [number] at [address]. Could you provide the approximate inspector time window and confirm what must remain visible?”
“I found an older permit at [address], but it does not appear closed. Which building or trade final is missing, and what must the current owner provide to reactivate or close it?”
Do Not Consider the Project Complete Until These Are Confirmed
- Correct municipality confirmed
- Subdivision comments obtained
- Zoning and setbacks confirmed
- ZBA or Planning completed if required
- County and utility approvals completed
- Application fee paid
- Permit formally issued
- Approved plans kept on site
- Building inspections completed
- Electrical final completed
- Mechanical final completed
- Plumbing final completed
- Grade or site approval completed
- Certificate obtained if required
- BS&A record shows final or closed
- Closure documents saved
Bloomfield Township Hall Building Division Map
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM–5:30 PM. Township offices are closed Friday.
Open the Correct Bloomfield Township Resource
Bloomfield Township Building Department FAQs
What is the Bloomfield Township Building Division phone number?
Call 248-433-7715 for building permits, plan review, BS&A account linking, inspection questions and permit closeout. The department is in the lower level of Township Hall.
What are the Building Division office hours?
Planning, Building and Ordinance public hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Township offices are closed Friday.
How do I apply for a Bloomfield Township permit online?
Open the Bloomfield Township BS&A municipality page, register or sign in, choose Apply for a Permit, select the property and complete the available permit application. Call 248-433-7715 to have a new account linked when required. Electrical, mechanical and plumbing applications are expressly available online.
How do I schedule a Bloomfield Township inspection?
Sign in to BS&A and choose Schedule an Inspection for the active permit. To obtain the inspector’s approximate time frame, call 248-433-7715 between 7:00 and 8:00 AM on the scheduled morning.
When must an inspection be canceled?
Cancel or reschedule through BS&A before 5:00 PM on the day before the scheduled inspection. Open View My Building Department Activity, locate the permit and inspection, and use the Cancel option.
Does a shed need Zoning Board approval?
Yes. The Township’s resident guidance says sheds are accessory structures and require Zoning Board of Appeals approval before installation regardless of size or location. A permit must then be obtained through the Building Division.
What are the common residential setbacks?
The Township FAQ lists 40 feet in front, 16 feet on the sides and 35 feet in the rear for R-1, R-2 and R-3 one-family districts. Corner properties have two front yards. PUD, multifamily, lakefront and other properties may use different rules.
How long does Bloomfield Township plan review take?
The current permit-information page says plan review is taking approximately 10 business days. Incomplete plans, corrections, subdivision comments, ZBA, Fire, engineering, tree, soil-erosion or county approvals can extend the process.
How long does a permit remain active without inspections?
The residential permit form states that a permit may become invalid or be closed when work or inspection activity stops for 180 days. Contact the Building Division before restarting work on a closed or expired permit.
Can I obtain old house plans from the Township?
The Township says it may have blueprints for residential new construction or alterations permitted after 1988. Search BS&A first, then submit a detailed public-records request for the permit application, approved plans, inspection history and certificate.
How This Guide Was Checked
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not Bloomfield Township.
This page was rebuilt using the Township’s Planning, Building and Ordinance pages, BS&A municipality portal, permit instructions, project packets, inspection guidance, Building FAQs, Planning fee schedules, zoning resources, resident project information and public-records instructions.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Forms, staff, fees, codes, review timing and procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive details before submitting, paying or beginning work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.